The Royal Navy has shared a captivating time-lapse video showcasing HMS Queen Elizabeth as she departs Portsmouth for training.
The video, posted on the ship’s official Twitter account, captures the momentous occasion.
Summer leave over!
Good to be heading back to sea for a busy period of equipment trials and training. pic.twitter.com/Q7mLWZ6aUv
— HMS Queen Elizabeth (@HMSQNLZ) September 2, 2024
Having returned to Portsmouth after undergoing repairs at Rosyth, the aircraft carrier is now set to resume her operational duties. HMS Queen Elizabeth was initially expected to lead Exercise Steadfast Defender in February, but a technical issue required her to withdraw, with HMS Prince of Wales taking over in her stead.
HMS Queen Elizabeth is one of the largest and most powerful warships ever built for the Royal Navy, displacing approximately 65,000 tonnes and measuring 280 metres in length.
The carrier can carry up to 40 aircraft, including the advanced F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters and various helicopters. Commissioned in December 2017, she has already undertaken significant operational duties, including a global deployment in 2021.
It still gets me every time just how small the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour really is and just how damn big the carriers are. She towers over the Still and West. Great spot to watch her leave from though.